Ptolemaic Foundations in Asia Minor and the Aegean as the Lagids' Political Tool

Summary

Abstract: The Ptolemaic colonisation in Asia Minor and the Aegean region was a significant tool which served the politics of the dynasty that actively participated in the fight for hegemony over the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea basin. In order to specify the role which the settlements founded by the Lagids played in their politics, it is of considerable importance to establish as precise dating of the foundations as possible. It seems legitimate to acknowledge that Ptolemy II possessed a well-thought-out plan, which, apart from the purely strategic aspects of founding new settlements, was also heavily charged with the propaganda issues which were connected with the cult of Arsinoe II.

Key words: Ptolemies, foundations, Asia Minor, Aegean.

Settlement of new cities was a significant tool used by the Hellenistic kings to achieve various goals: political and economic. The process of colonisation was begun by Alexander the Great, who settled several cities which were named Alexandrias after him. The process was successfully continued by the diadochs, and subsequently by the following rulers of the monarchies which emerged after the demise of Alexander's state. The new settlements were established not only by the representatives of the most powerful dynasties: the Seleucids, the Ptolemies and the Antigonids, but also by the rulers of the smaller states. The kings of Pergamum of the Attalid dynasty were considerably active in this field, but the rulers of Bithynia, Pontus and Cappadocia were also successful in this process.